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FORMAT$ Function Details
  Summary  Details  Example                Contents  Index  Back
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 FORMAT$(expression [,fmt$])
 
 Usage Notes
   ■ If fmt$ is omitted or is a null string, FORMAT$ provides the same
     functionality as the STR$ function - that is, it converts positive
     numbers to strings. However, numbers converted to strings using FORMAT$
     do not have the leading space reserved to display the sign of the value,
     while numbers converted using STR$ retain the leading space. When no
     display formatting is required, use STR$ to convert numbers to strings.
     See: STR$ Function
 
   ■ A format expression (fmt$) can have up to three sections separated by
     semicolons (;). The first section formats positive values, the second
     section formats negative values, and the third section formats zeros:
 
         Usage                Result
         ════════════════     ══════════════════════════════════════════════
         One section only     The format applies to all numbers
         Two sections         The first section applies to positive numbers
                              and zeros; the second to negative numbers
         Three sections       The first section applies to positive numbers,
                              the second to negative numbers, and the third
                              to zeros
 
   ■ If you have semicolons with nothing between them, the missing section
     prevents that type of number from being displayed.
 
   ■ Visual Basic supports international formatting styles under MS-DOS
     version 3.31 or later.
 
   ■ Default settings for date and time formats are determined by the
     operating system. See: Date and Time Command Summary